Timberwolves Community Stories 2012-13

Submitted by mremme on Mon, 2012-09-24 10:49

Take a look back at the FastBreak Foundation's community involvement during the 2012-13 season.

April 2013

Do It Green! Minnesota's Go Green Tips Do It Green! Minnesota is a Minneapolis-based organization that was honored at Saturday’s home game against the Pistons. The organization was founded by executive director/programs director Ami Voeltz 13 years ago as Voeltz envisioned helping others understand eco-friendly exercises as she herself hoped to begin a greener lifestyle. Do It Green! Minnesota has offered up a collection of tips for reducing your waste, water and electrical output in hopes of creating a more eco-friendly environment.

Wolves To Celebrate Think Green Month The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation today announced plans to celebrate Think Green Month and help fans implement a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The FastBreak Foundation’s Think Green Month focuses on organizations and events that help to preserve and protect the environment and includes the awarding of two $5,000 grants and a Think Green Competition award winner.

Pekovic Gets Closer At Jimmy John's Wolves center Nikola Pekovic met with fans and handed out free sandwiches at the Block E Jimmy John's on Thursday afternoon in Minneapolis. Pekovic served a line that extended outside the door and got closer with the fans during a memorable afternoon.

Greg Stiemsma's Reading Timeout Wolves center Greg Stiemsma spent an afternoon at St. Anthony Park Elementary School reading during the FastBreak Foundation's Read To Achieve Month. The initiative aims at helping area kids foster their love for reading.

Kevin Love Takes The Polar Bear Plunge Kevin Love took the Polar Bear Plunge presented by Law Enforcement for Special Olympics Minnesota on Saturday at Riley Lake Park in Eden Prairie. This is the 16th year of plunges for Special Olympics, and it has grown into a spectacle where people volunteer to raise money for the cause then jump into the frigid water wearing unique costumes of their choice.

FastBreak Foundation Celebrates Read To Achieve Month For the month of March, the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation will turn its focus towards helping children develop a lifelong love of reading. The Foundation's Read to Achieve Month, presented by Travelers, is designed to put books in the hands of children and offer them incentives to keep reading. The March schedule of events is highlighted by several Reading Timeouts at area schools, including a staff-wide effort on the part of all Timberwolves/Lynx employees to read to students in the Twin Cities area. The FastBreak Foundation is proud to be supported by the Roger and Nancy McCabe Foundation.

Wolves Present AVID With $2,500 Grant The Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation honored AVID with an on-court presentation during Wednesday's game at Target Center during the Wolves matchup with the Washington Wizards. Throughout the month of March, the Wolves' goal is to help foster the love of reading for Minnesota children and put books into those children's hands.

Wolves Present Neighborhood House With $2,500 Grant The Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation honored Neighborhood House with an on-court presentation and a grant for $2,500 during Monday’s game at Target Center as part of Read To Achieve Month, which aims to foster the love of reading in Minnesota children.

February 2013

Black History Month Spotlight: Natalie Morrow As part of Black History Month, the Timberwolves honored Natalie Morrow at center court during Sunday's game against the Warriors. Morrow is founder of the Twin Cities Black Film Festival, a discovery and showcase event for emerging filmmakers of color.

Column: A Big Hug Can Go A Long Way Wolves foward Kevin Love had a special moment at center court before Sunday's game against the Warriors while meeting with young fans through St. Jude Children's Hospital on the day he was honored with the KIA Community Assist Award. It was a candid exchange that showcased how big of an impact professional athletes can have.

Taste of the Timberwolves A Delicious Success The 18th annual Taste of the Timberwolves was a night filed with cuisine, entertainment and mingling with the Wolves' players and coaches. And for both the organization and the fans who attended, it was a night they'll never forget because of the experience and the money it raised for people in need throughout our community.

Photos: Taste of the Timberwolves The Wolves hosted the 18th annual Taste of the Timberwolves on Thursday night at Target Center, welcoming in guests to mingle and dine with the team while gaining the experience of a lifetime on the Target Center floor. Take a look back at the evening through Timberwolves.com's event gallery.

Black History Month Spotlight: Rev. Thomas Van Leer Reverend Thomas Van Leer has been serving as chaplain for the Minnesota Timberwolves since 1995. In that time, he’s seen everything from franchise triumph to hardship. A minister for 50 years, Van Leer was honored as part of the Timberwolves observance of Black History Month, in which one leader is honored at each home game.

Black History Month Spotlight: Archie Givens Jr. Timberwolves senior vice president Ted Johnson presented Archie Givens, Jr. with a Timberwolves autographed basketball before the Wolves took on the New Orleans Hornets. Throughout Black History Month, the Timberwolves are honoring leaders who have dedicated their time to making a difference in the community.

Wolves, HopeKids Take Over MOAWolves players Chase Budinger, Greg Stiemsma and Derrick Williams spent Tuesday at the Mall of America with HopeKids through WolvesCare Month, helping kids with long-term illnesses enjoy a special day at Build-A-Bear, SEA LIFE and more.

Black History Month Spotlight: Benjamin MchieAs part of Black History Month, the Minnesota Timberwolves are honoring leaders who are making a difference in the community. Before Friday night’s Lakers/Wolves matchup, Benjamin Mchie was honored as founder and executive director of non-profit organization, The African American Registry.

January 2013

WolvesCare Heroes In The Making: Spencer MeyersSpencer Meyers was recognized as a Hero In The Making, part of the FastBreak Foundation’s WolvesCare month presented by C.H. Robinson Worldwide. At every January home game, a child persevering through a life-threatening or long-term illness was honored on the Target Center floor and given the chance to see a Wolves game from a suite, meet their favorite players and take home some Wolves garb.

WolvesCare Heroes In The Making: Ethan Rittmiller and Lindsay HeimkesOn Saturday at Target Center, the Timberwolves continued WolvesCare Month presented by C.H. Robinson and the FastBreak Foundation. The Wolves honored Ethan Rittmiller and Lindsay Heimkes as part of WolvesCare Month, in which the Wolves focus their attention on young fans with life-threatening or long-term illnesses.

Wolves Honor Bryce Madsen, Ben Anco As Heroes In The MakingMuscular Dystrophy Association goodwill ambassadors Ben Anco and Bryce Madsen were honored Thursday at the Target Center for their work in the Twin CIties. They speak to various groups and educate others about living with muscular dystrophy – and they’re just seven and 10 years old.

All Access: Cody Metz's Make A Wish Experience With The WolvesWolves fan Cody Metz got the thrill of a lifetime this week as he made the trip to Oklahoma City with the Timberwolves. Metz, 16, got a chance to watch two Wolves games while also traveling with the team. Go behind the scenes with Cody as he made the trip and met members of both the Wolves and Thunder organizations.

WolvesCare Hero In The Making: Curtis MoreyDiagnosed with a brain tumor last January, Curtis was recognized at center court as a Hero In The Making, part of the FastBreak Foundation’s WolvesCare month presented by C.H. Robinson Worldwide.

FastBreak Foundation Tips Off WolvesCare Month Presented By C.H. RobinsonThrough WolvesCare month, presented by C.H. Robinson, the Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation will turn its attention this January to some of the Wolves' smallest fans, but those with the biggest hearts: children suffering chronic illnesses. Throughout the month, the FastBreak Foundation's WolvesCare initiative will work to make a difference in these courageous children's lives.

December 2012

Sandwich Man Honored For Lifetime DedicationThrough the FastBreak Foundation's Season of Giving, presented by SPIRE Federal Credit Union, the Timberwolves honored Allen Law, who has spent his adult life helping provide food to the homeless.

Sgt. Major Bartkey Honored Through Heroes United ProgramSgt. Major James Bartkey was honored Saturday night before the Timberwolves took on the Phoenix Suns as part of Heroes United, a program presented by the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation and Roger and Nancy McCabe that recognizes Minnesota troops for their dedication and service.

Captain Shannon Gregory Honored At Wednesday's GameCaptain Shannon Gregory was honored Wednesday night before the Timberwolves took on the Houston Rockets as part of Heroes United, a program presented by the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation and Roger and Nancy McCabe that recognizes Minnesota troops for their dedication and service.

Wolves, Arby's Team Up To Fight Childhood HungerThe Timberwolves and Arby's are teaming up to help fight childhood hunger in a multifaceted partnership. To help kick off the initiative, Wolves guard Brandon Roy will serve customers at the Arby's in St. Louis Park from 6-7 PM to help raise awareness for the Arby's Foundation and their fight against childhood hunger in America.

Photos: Wolves Drop Of Toys At Amplatz Children's HospitalLou Amundson, Luke Ridnour and Mascot Crunch of the Minnesota Timberwolves distribute holiday gifts collected through the Minnesota Timberwolves Fastbreak Foundation presented by the Roger & Nancy McCabe Foundation Toy Drive to patients and families on Dec. 21 at the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital in Minneapolis. The Toy Drive is part of the Season of Giving presented by SPIRE Federal Credit Union.

All Access: Kevin Love Coat DriveWolves forward Kevin Love wrapped up his fifth annual Coat Drive on Wednesday by delivering the collected coats to the Minneapolis Salvation Army Central Worship and Community Center. The program aims to help children in need during the holiday season by collecting coats throughout November and December.

Photos: Kevin Love Coat DriveTake a look at the behind the scenes at the Kevin Love coat drive as Love delivers approximately 2,500 coats to the Salvation Army in Minneapolis.

Staff Sgt. Corey Hoerdt Recognized On December 15 During HalftimeStaff Sgt. During each home game, the Timberwolves along with the Roger and Nancy McCabe Foundation honor Minnesota’s Military personnel as part of the Heroes United program. Saturday's honoree was Staff Sgt. Corey Hoerdt, a member of the 133rd Airlift Wing of the Minnesota National Guard.

Love Donates $43,000 to Breast Cancer Non-Profit Organization Thanks to his viral YouTube video with Larry Fitzgerald, national breast cancer non-profit organization Bright Pink received a $43,000 check from Kevin Love prior to Saturday's game against the Dallas Mavericks at Target Center on Saturday night.

Q&A With SPIRE Federal Credit Union President/CEO Dan Stoltz This December, SPIRE Federal Credit Union and the Wolves teamed up to present Season of Giving, which will reach out to the community during the holiday season through various events including Holiday Shopping With Kids, the Amplatz Children Hospital Toy Drop off, in-game presentations and more. On Wednesday, Timberwolves.com spoke with SPIRE's CEO Dan Stoltz to talk about Season of Giving.

Wolves Participate In 8th Annual Holiday Shopping With Kids The Timberwolves' FastBreak Foundation teamed up with SPIRE Federal Credit Union, SEVEN Steakhouse, Target and the Minnesota Adoption Resource Network teamed up for the 8th annual Holiday Shopping With Kids event last night in Downtown Minneapolis. Eleven kids were surprised with a $1,000 shopping spree at Target with members of the Timberwolves team.

All Access: Collin Clarke Visits The Wolves The Wolves spent this year's Media Day with Collin Clarke. Clarke, 17, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor in his left front lobe. He spent the day meeting all the stars from his favorite basketball team at Target Center. During this month's Season of Giving, Timberwolves.com takes a behind the scenes look back on Clarke's special day, highlighting what his mom described as three keys in Collin's life: "Joy, Love and Timberwolves."

Tech Sgt. Matthew Rhiel Honored At Friday's Game Against Cavaliers Tech Sgt. Matthew Rhiel was honored before Friday night’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of Heroes United, a program presented by the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation and Roger and Nancy McCabe that recognizes Minnesota troops for their dedication and service.

Season Of Giving Q&A With Timberwolves President Chris Wright Timberwolves president Chris Wright sat down with Wolves Radio host John Focke to talk about some of the upcoming initiatives surrounding the FastBreak Foundation, including the Roger & Nancy McCabe Foundation becoming a presenting sponsor, the Holiday Toy Drive and the annual Holiday Shopping for Kids event.

November 2012

Vlaisavljevich Honored At Friday's Game Rose Vlaisavljevich was honored before the Friday night win over the Milwaukee Bucks as part of Heroes United, a program presented by the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation and Roger and Nancy McCabe that recognizes Minnesota troops for their dedication and service.

FastBreak Foundation Secures First Platinum Partner The Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation today announced its first-ever platinum-level partnership as the foundation has teamed up with the Roger and Nancy McCabe Foundation. As the platinum partner, the Roger and Nancy McCabe Foundation becomes the presenting sponsor of the Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation and its year-long initiatives.

Love Continues 5th Annual Coat Drive Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love continues to partner with Comcast and The Salvation Army to host a coat drive to help those in need this winter. Until Dec. 12, Love is inviting all fans to bring new and gently used coats to any of eight metro-area drop-off locations, including the Target Center Box Office and Comcast service centers. Love will deliver all donations to The Salvation Army on Dec. 19.

First Lt. Davin Fischer Remembers College Days First Lt. Davin Fischer received Heroes United honors Friday night before the Wolves played Golden State, but not before he took care of a little unfinished business with Warriors guard Stephen Curry.

Master Sgt. Kemp, Others Honored On Military Night During a night in which the Timberwolves honored members of Minnesota's Armed Forces, Master Sgt. Rich Kemp was part of an on-court pregame ceremony in which he received a personalized jersey from assistant coach Terry Porter as part of Operation: Heroes Month.

Drost Honored During Operation: Heroes Month Operation Minnesota Heroes Month continued as the Wolves hosted the Magic on Wednesday night with a personalized Wolves jersey for Sgt. Andrea Drost and grants to Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and Becker Furniture World Charities.

Wolves Volunteer At Second Harvest HeartlandEleven members of the Wolves’ organization spent three hours labeling cans of soup and beans, repackaging them in boxes and loading up pallets to be distributed around Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. In those three hours, the Wolves’ volunteers alone helped package 16,155 pounds of food, which translates into 15,597 meals.

Wolves Organization Volunteers At American Indian Family CenterAs part of the Minnesota Timberwolves FastBreak Foundation's Think Green Month, powered by Juhl Wind, Inc., students from De La Salle and Gordon Parks high schools were recognized as Think Green Heroes in the Making during last night's game against the Grizzlies at Target Center.